Rooting for the "Underdog": UDFA RB Roy Finch

[Off The Grid]

Tremendous Thread for a worthy Talent!!

I gave Finch a 2nd/3rd Round Ranking before the Draft. Huge Fan of this UFA. Mind you, he's not the kind of Player I'd seek out, philosophically ~ Blocking is crucial to me, and he comes with obvious difficulties in that regard ~ but he could be a very, very exciting Weapon!!

Interesting discussion about how he compares to others.

A couple of terms that I've invented apply, here.

01 ~ I would describe him as more of a FlexWing, as opposed to WoodHead, who's more of a FlexBack.

02 ~ FlexBacks tend to be short, but beefier, like WoodHead: 5075/195.

03 ~ FlexWings tend to be Spry Flies, like Finch: 5064/175.

Needless to say: Those 20 Pounds make an huge difference in terms of how you can deploy them, and how often...But they also make an huge difference in terms of how spry they be!!

 

[Danger Zone]

Seriously - it's hard to give an honest opinion on him without sounding like a contrarian jerk, but you pretty much nailed it. 177 pound RBs don't fare well in the NFL.

I don't think that makes you sound like a contrarian jerk.. I think it just makes you sound wrong.

I'm kidding! Im kidding! Everyone is entitled to their opinion and yours is a very valid point.

I've no doubt in my mind that Roy Finch is an underdog and a long shot. And honestly, if he wasnt 177 pounds we probably wouldn't be rooting for him as much as we are.

I have to admit that Jeremy Gallon (who appears to truly have always embodied that Rudy-like spirit) has kind of supplanted Finch as my balanky, but its still very, very close. Either way, I'm still seriously rooting for our 177 pound RB to make it in the NFL..

 

[supafly]

Unless he is equally as bad or worse. I don't think Finch is much of a blocker.

True--I'm just speaking of one of the main knocks on Houston coming out of school, which supposedly carried over to OTAs and minicamps. I think he's a good practice squad candidate, but we'll have to see.

I suppose it would depend on who may be able to contribute more, and I just feel that a guy like Finch would be able to contribute in the KO return game, catching screens out of the backfield with his shiftiness, and squirting through holes. Then again, we seem to have some similar skill sets with Vereen and White just the same.

Houston seems to be a much different kind of back, more of a bigger, physical bruising back. One can make a case for him just as well--especially if they don't end up keeping Brandon Bolden.

I think it will come down to 3 things:

--whether or not Bolden stays, who may be able to spell Ridley and is still under contract. If Bolden doesn't make it, a guy like Houston may be able to offer less redundancy at the position due to some similarities with Vereen and White (+ Finch's potential).

--his ability to pick up the blitz on at least something of a comparable level to Houston. With his size, that may end up being difficult. This one may be a split decision.

--the most obvious answer, which is who steps up in the opportunities presented.

 

[supafly]

Tremendous Thread for a worthy Talent!!

I gave Finch a 2nd/3rd Round Ranking before the Draft. Huge Fan of this UFA. Mind you, he's not the kind of Player I'd seek out, philosophically ~ Blocking is crucial to me, and he comes with obvious difficulties in that regard ~ but he could be a very, very exciting Weapon!!

Interesting discussion about how he compares to others.

A couple of terms that I've invented apply, here.

01 ~ I would describe him as more of a FlexWing, as opposed to WoodHead, who's more of a FlexBack.

02 ~ FlexBacks tend to be short, but beefier, like WoodHead: 5075/195.

03 ~ FlexWings tend to be Spry Flies, like Finch: 5064/175.

Needless to say: Those 20 Pounds make an huge difference in terms of how you can deploy them, and how often...But they also make an huge difference in terms of how spry they be!!

You're a draftnik, OTG. What do you think about Finch's small stature and how it may carry over on his ability to pick up the blitz? Stephen Houston's struggles have been well-noted thus far in that aspect, but do you think Finch struggles as well?

 

[supafly]

Finch's inadequate attention to detail -- especially in pass protecting for Landry Jones -- was the most given explanation.

Good catch, AC12. This will be a battle worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.

 

[Danger Zone]

You're a draftnik, OTG. What do you think about Finch's small stature and how it may carry over on his ability to pick up the blitz? Stephen Houston's struggles have been well-noted thus far in that aspect, but do you think Finch struggles as well?

OTG (and me EDIT: I) is pioneering the Trade Away All Your Early Round Picks and Monopolize Every 6th and 7th Round Pick Available Plan(™)

My contribution being that we use the money we arent using on our 1st through 5th round picks and we use that to lure in ANY UFA* we want by offering them way more money than any other team would be willing to.

Draft Strategy: UDFA and Trading for Later Years Picks. | PatsFans.com > Patriots Draft Talk

As a Point of Discussion, this is a great one!!

1 ~ Unless I'm mistaken, there's a Signing Bonus Cap on UFA's ~ what you Earthlings inexplicably choose to call "UDFA's". As one who's always trolled deeply into the Talent Market, I have long carried an intense interest in UFA's, so I applaud yours!! And I can only find Florio to confirm that Cap.

2 ~ But even supposing that the Cap is a Fact ~ and I'm 99% sure it is ~ I haven't read anything about a Salary Cap on UFA's. And if UFA Salaries are presumably simply treated as part of the general Salary Cap...well, then: Your Idea ~ shockingly similar to the approach I've always planned if I ever have Opportunity to take the Reigns!! ~ could actually work...and work beautifully!!

3 ~ One would have to keep in mind, of course, that UFA's have as many as 32 choices of who they sign with, and with most of them facing an extremely tough Battle to see a penny of the comparatively bloated Salaries we're talking about, they'd have to be persuaded that they stand as good a Chance to make our Roster as any of the other 31 whose Teams on the other lines, bidding against us.

4 ~ That is why my Strategy is to Trade Down deep into Day 3, thus amassing as many 6th & 7th Rounders as I imagine I can squeeze out'f the Competition: So that I can forestall my 31 Rivals and ultimately position myself as the only Bidder for the Services of those who'd otherwise go UFA.

5 ~ To sum up: I love your Line of Thinking on this, Brother Zone!! Props!!

The Roy Finches of the world are the bread AND butter (or butter patty as the case may be) of that very, very cunning plan.



* - I wonder if OTG will catch my most proper usage of UFA and not UDFA?

 

[supafly]

Mine is Jeremy Gallon. I know he's another undersized guy, but I love his game.

I'm not as sure about Gallon myself. Common sense would point to him being an excellent PS candidate, especially with Amendola and Boyce seeing the bulk of their time in the slot (I won't count Edelman). Of course, as with any player, we don't know if he'd make it to the PS when cut.

I just have a hard time envisioning his making the WR corps, since there is already quite a battle with Dobson, Edelman, Amendola, LaFell, Thompkins, and Boyce (6). If you include Slater like the official site does at the position as well, we're already looking at the possibility of keeping 7--which, as we know is very rare.

Someone can always get injured of course, and/or Gallon could really stand out in TC, but I'm not seeing his chances as being all that great under the current circumstances. As we know, those may change. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[Joker]

Do you want THIS type of running back?

or one more like THIS ------------------>

 

[Jackson 2]

I'm not as sure about Gallon myself. Common sense would point to him being an excellent PS candidate, especially with Amendola and Boyce seeing the bulk of their time in the slot (I won't count Edelman). Of course, as with any player, we don't know if he'd make it to the PS when cut.

I just have a hard time envisioning his making the WR corps, since there is already quite a battle with Dobson, Edelman, Amendola, LaFell, Thompkins, and Boyce (6). If you include Slater like the official site does at the position as well, we're already looking at the possibility of keeping 7--which, as we know is very rare.

Someone can always get injured of course, and/or Gallon could really stand out in TC, but I'm not seeing his chances as being all that great under the current circumstances. As we know, those may change. Just my opinion, of course.

Oh, I agree that he's a long shot. His situation is exacerbated by the fact that I believe he's still on PUP. I just really like watching him play.

 

[mgteich]

3rd DOWN AND CHANGE OF PACE BACK
We're all set with Vereen and White.

STARTING RUNNING BACK
We're all set with Ridley.
===================================
BOLDEN, HOUSTON & FINCH
I think that Bolden is the favorite to get the roster spot as Ridley's backup (usually inactive). I do HOPE that Houston can show enough to beat out Bolden for the role of backup to Ridley. I can't see keeping Finch, unless he's a 5th RB.\, and I don't see that happening.

KICK RETURNER POSITION
Boyce projects to be the SIXTH wide receiver. Barring injuries, the first 3 will get almost all the reps. If Josh wants a but of rotation, the 4th would get some work. Perhaps, Finch could beat out Boyce for his roster spot, although I doubt it. After all, Boyce has more potential as a WR than Finch does as a running back. Without Boyce, we still have 4 downfield receivers and 2 slot receivers (with Edelman being both).

ARE WE KEEPING A FULLBACK?
I think that we are, although Develin could get beaten out by a free agent, or a 3rd TE.

True--I'm just speaking of one of the main knocks on Houston coming out of school, which supposedly carried over to OTAs and minicamps. I think he's a good practice squad candidate, but we'll have to see.

I suppose it would depend on who may be able to contribute more, and I just feel that a guy like Finch would be able to contribute in the KO return game, catching screens out of the backfield with his shiftiness, and squirting through holes. Then again, we seem to have some similar skill sets with Vereen and White just the same.

Houston seems to be a much different kind of back, more of a bigger, physical bruising back. One can make a case for him just as well--especially if they don't end up keeping Brandon Bolden.

I think it will come down to 3 things:

--whether or not Bolden stays, who may be able to spell Ridley and is still under contract. If Bolden doesn't make it, a guy like Houston may be able to offer less redundancy at the position due to some similarities with Vereen and White (+ Finch's potential).

--his ability to pick up the blitz on at least something of a comparable level to Houston. With his size, that may end up being difficult. This one may be a split decision.

--the most obvious answer, which is who steps up in the opportunities presented.

 

[Off The Grid]

Tremendous Thread for a worthy Talent!!

I gave Finch a 2nd/3rd Round Ranking before the Draft. Huge Fan of this UFA. Mind you, he's not the kind of Player I'd seek out, philosophically ~ Blocking is crucial to me, and he comes with obvious difficulties in that regard ~ but he could be a very, very exciting Weapon!!

Interesting discussion about how he compares to others.

A couple of terms that I've invented apply, here.

01 ~ I would describe him as more of a FlexWing, as opposed to WoodHead, who's more of a FlexBack.

02 ~ FlexBacks tend to be short, but beefier, like WoodHead: 5075/195.

03 ~ FlexWings tend to be Spry Flies, like Finch: 5064/175.

Needless to say: Those 20 Pounds make an huge difference in terms of how you can deploy them, and how often...But they also make an huge difference in terms of how spry they be!!

You're a draftnik, OTG. What do you think about Finch's small stature and how it may carry over on his ability to pick up the blitz? Stephen Houston's struggles have been well-noted thus far in that aspect, but do you think Finch struggles as well?

Excellent Subject to delve into, Brother Fly.

I believe that there's a very strong chance that he'll be surprisingly effective, in the right Situation.

To reiterate my earlier comment: He is not the kind of Player I'd ever draft.

But I believe that Diagnostic Acuity ~ mastering Blocking Schemes as well as Timing & Angles ~ as well as Processing Speed ~ Rapidly Reading the unfolding Tactical LandScape early enough to make the Right Block at the Right Angle ( See What I Did, There? ) and with the Right Timing ~ are far more crucial to effective Blocking than is generally perceived.

I also believe that Core Power ~ as opposed to sheer Size ~ is far more crucial than is generally perceived.

And my Impression is that these Aspects ~ Diagnostic Acuity, Processing Speed, and Core Power ~ are, along with incredibly Agility, Strengths of Roy Finch, Flex Wing.

I prefer "Dominant" to "Surprisingly Effective", hence my refusal to draft or sign FlexWings...But, yeah: I think he'll likely surprise some folks in that regard. Thanks for an intriguing Query, Brother Fly.

 

[Off The Grid]

OTG (and me EDIT: I) is pioneering the Trade Away All Your Early Round Picks and Monopolize Every 6th and 7th Round Pick Available Plan(™)

My contribution being that we use the money we arent using on our 1st through 5th round picks and we use that to lure in ANY UFA* we want by offering them way more money than any other team would be willing to.

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...fa-and-trading-for-later-years-picks.1110167/



The Roy Finches of the world are the bread AND butter (or butter patty as the case may be) of that very, very cunning plan.



* - I wonder if OTG will catch my most proper usage of UFA and not UDFA?

Magnificent, Brother Zone!!

U-F-A!! U-F-A!!

 

[patchick]

My skepticism on Finch isn't specifically about his size -- Dri Archer, a similarly miniature player, was a draft binky of mine. It's that Finch doesn't have the spectacular quickness required to make little guys dangerous.

Here's a Finch highlight video:

Then compare to Archer:

In measurables, that difference translates to:

Finch 5'6.5" 177 4.50/2.64/1.65 33.5" 09'06" 4.25 7.07
Archer 5'7.5" 173 4.16/2.34/1.47 38" 10'02" 4.06 6.86

I hope like crazy that I'm wrong, but I just don't think Finch is an NFL athlete.

 

[Galeb]

My skepticism on Finch isn't specifically about his size -- Dri Archer, a similarly miniature player, was a draft binky of mine. It's that Finch doesn't have the spectacular quickness required to make little guys dangerous.

Here's a Finch highlight video:

Then compare to Archer:

In measurables, that difference translates to:

Finch 5'6.5" 177 4.50/2.64/1.65 33.5" 09'06" 4.25 7.07
Archer 5'7.5" 173 4.16/2.34/1.47 38" 10'02" 4.06 6.86

I hope like crazy that I'm wrong, but I just don't think Finch is an NFL athlete.

Good post. I think the forty time is 4.26, not 4.16. Still blazingly fast though, especially for a guy that is so quick.

 

[Off The Grid]

Yep.

I gave Roy Finch a 2nd/3rd Round Ranking & StudHorse Grade before the Draft.

Dri Archer, I gave a Beast Grade...and a 1st Round Ranking.

 

[patchick]

Dri Archer, I gave a Beast Grade...and a 1st Round Ranking.

It was a little uncool the way the Steelers looked over my shoulder and stole half my draft board .

As it shook out, the Patriots didn't really have a shot at Archer.

 

[Off The Grid]

It was a little uncool the way the Steelers looked over my shoulder and stole half my draft board .

As it shook out, the Patriots didn't really have a shot at Archer.

I hear ya, Sister. The Miners've must have some Cookie roaming around my Hard Drive!!

 

[PatsFan37]

Some observations about Finch from the OTAs.Patriots OTAs Observations: Jimmy Garoppolo Struggles In Rainy Conditions | NESN.com
Wide receiver Reggie Dunn (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) and rookie running back Roy Finch (5-foot-7, 167 pounds) are undersized, but their speed and agility are apparent every time they’re on the field on offense or special teams.

FWIW, the Cardinals signed Dunn yesterday.

Originally published: Jul 25, 2014 - 10:22 am
The Arizona Cardinals announced Friday they signed free agent wide receiver and ace kick returner Reggie Dunn.
Dunn signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent from Utah in 2013. He has not appeared in the regular season, but spent time on the practice squads in Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Cleveland, Miami and New England.

 

[pdangle]

I'm afraid the Nay's have it on this one for me. He's an NFL fringe player at best. Pure simple physics. He lacks size without the necessary world-class speed and agility he'd require to offset the huge mass handicap and play effectively in today's NFL. These guys are a dime a dozen (at NFL camps, not walking around in real life) compared to true NFL caliber RBs, rare <0.01% size/speed combo freaks of nature we all so know and love. Then, unless this guy is greased lightning and a bottle of moonshine KR or PR, he probably has no chance - AT ALL. In fact I'd rather he DOESN'T even get a SNIFF of making it, otherwise we're probably down a couple of starting RBs. No hard feelings. Just bidness. Hey, he's probably a real nice guy too, so I'd like to take this opportunity to throw a heartfelt 'Safe Travels' his way. If someone sees him before he departs camp, please pass it along on my behalf. Thx.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Tremendous Thread for a worthy Talent!!

I gave Finch a 2nd/3rd Round Ranking before the Draft. Huge Fan of this UFA. Mind you, he's not the kind of Player I'd seek out, philosophically ~ Blocking is crucial to me, and he comes with obvious difficulties in that regard ~ but he could be a very, very exciting Weapon!!

Interesting discussion about how he compares to others.

A couple of terms that I've invented apply, here.

01 ~ I would describe him as more of a FlexWing, as opposed to WoodHead, who's more of a FlexBack.

02 ~ FlexBacks tend to be short, but beefier, like WoodHead: 5075/195.

03 ~ FlexWings tend to be Spry Flies, like Finch: 5064/175.

Needless to say: Those 20 Pounds make an huge difference in terms of how you can deploy them, and how often...But they also make an huge difference in terms of how spry they be!!

So this was you! I thought it might be:

Roy Finch Scouting Report ~ 2014 NFL Draft | Fanatical Yankee